2 May 59
Dear Mr Talbot
Many thanks for your kind congratulations on my success at Devizes & I am very happy to offer You mine on the result of the Plymouth Election.
Mr West Awdry told me today of the approaching Marriage in Your family which Mrs Gladstone <1> & I are very glad to learn is in all respects most satisfactory. I have not heard the Gentlemen’s name, but beg that you will assure Mrs Talbot and Your daughters of the pleasure the intelligence has given us. Mrs Gladstone though now better has not been well for the last 3 weeks, and I have been constantly away from home for the last 6 weeks but we hope to go to London on Wednesday to complete the furnishing of our house & as I have to attend the N Wilts Election tomorrow I fear that I shall not be able to call at the Abbey.
Believe me Yrs vy truly
J. N. Gladstone
Notes:
1. Elizabeth Honoria Gladstone, née Bateson (d. 1862).